"I remember going to the very first night of the Comedy Store (club in London) and thinking 'Where does this come from?'.

"It was the most extraordinary thing, him and Ade Edmondson doing the Dangerous Brothers, they were called, and you just felt you were in the presence of something, a whole revolutionary thing."

Edmonson, Mayall's a long time friend and comedy collaborator, told media: "There were times when Rik and I were writing together when we almost died laughing. They were some of the most carefree stupid days I ever had, and I feel privileged to have shared them with him. And now he's died for real. Without me. Selfish bastard."

BBC director of television Danny Cohen said Mayall was "a truly brilliant comedian".

"His comic timing was outstanding and his screen presence unique. For a generation of viewers he was a true comedy hero."

Colleagues and friends also posted tributes on social media.

Crossing the Atlantic with wifi. Simply distraught to hear of the death of Rik Mayall. An authentic comedy genius and a prince among men.